Ok, first off I've got nothing against the Calgary net minder but the tittle; KESSEL DOUSES FLAMES!, was already taken. Plus this rhymes. On with the blog. The Toronto Maple Leafs improved to 3W -0L with their 3-2 victory Saturday night over the Flames. It wasn't easy though, as Calgary jumped out to a two goal lead scoring 1:27 seconds apart. Of course as is always the case with former Leafs, Lee Stempniak and Niklas Hagman had assists on the goals.
After that, the Phil Kessel show began. He started out with an assist on Joffrey Lupul's goal, which pulled the Leafs to within one. Then Kessel powered passed a Calgary defense men and roofed the puck passed Kiprussof. After two periods the score was even. Kessel would then get the game winner early in the third, as he tucked the puck into the back of the net, just as a mother would gently tuck her child into bed for their afternoon nap. With a three point night Kessel now has 5 goals, 3 assists for 8 points on the season. More impressive then the offensive numbers, is Kessel's determination on the defensive side of the puck, which has been incredible over the first three games. Taking a cue from the WWE circa the late 80's, I've officially nicknamed Phil Kessel "Saturday Night Main Event!"
While I'm on the subject of defensive play, Tyler Bozak put on a clinic. He prevented 3 potential goals from Jarome Iginla with relentless back-checking. Add to that winning 74% of the face-offs he took, it's no wonder the Leafs were perfect on the penalty kill. Then there's James Reimer. After allowing two goals on two shots, he made 30 consecutive saves the rest of the way. Not the least of which were several pad saves in the third period to preserve the win. If that isn't enough to provoke ZZ Top to re-work the song "Legs" in honour of Reimer, I don't know what is!
The Maple Leafs will continue their five game home stand Monday night, against the Colorado Avalanche.
I prefer Kesseley Snipes
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